Sicily has to be one of the most fascinating islands in Europe. It has an incredibly diverse history, thanks to the different marks left by the Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Normans and Spanish civilizations. On this comprehensive tour, we explore the island through its picturesque villages, well-preserved archaeological sites and splendid scenery. Of course no trip to Sicily is complete without trying the local delicacies and we have plenty of opportunities to sample its mouth-watering cuisine and world-renowned wines.

Itinerary

After breakfast we enjoy a spectacular guided walk on Mt Etna, Europe's highest active volcano. We hike up past several old lava flows to be rewarded with a dramatic panoramic view of the four craters that make up the top of this famous volcano (2 hours walking, +50m -100m, 6 km). You are strongly advised to take a waterproof/windproof jacket, a warm top and to wear long trousers. In the afternoon there is the opportunity for a wine & cheese tasting in one of the famous wine cellars of the area.See more images and videos

3Day 3Drive to Siracusa to visit its archaeological site; on to the UNESCO Baroque town of Noto.

This morning we drive to Siracusa, the most powerful city-state in the Greek world and briefly capital of the Byzantine Empire, to visit the superb Neapolis Archaelological Park with its spectacular Greek theatre and well-preserved Roman amphitheatre, accompanied by a local guide. In the afternoon we drive to our next destination, the UNESCO World Heritage site of Noto. This is an absolute gem: a beautiful town in the unique Sicilian baroque style, and all built in a beautiful honey-coloured stone.

4Day 4Morning visit the hilltop town of Ragusa Ibla; transfer to Agrigento's Valley of the Temples.

After breakfast we drive to the hilltop town of Ragusa Ibla, a fascinating maze of winding streets dotted with remarkable baroque churches, and continue on to Agrigento. Here we enjoy a guided visit of its magnificent Valley of the Temples: the Temple of Juno, the Temple of Concorde, one of the most well-preserved Doric temples in all the Greek world, the Temple of Ercules and the Temple of Castor and Pollux. Overnight in Agrigento.See more images and videos

5Day 5Visit ruins of Selinunte, set high overlooking the Mediterranean; drive to the hilltop village of Erice.

Our day starts with a transfer to Selinunte to explore one of the most important archaeological sites in the Mediterranean, set high overlooking the sea. We then move on to the mountaintop village of Erice, where we have time for a stroll through its narrow streets and try the best almond cakes (cassata) on the island. Overnight near San Vito Lo Capo.See more images and videos

Italy's first nature reserve, Zingaro, is home to the rare Bonelli eagle, along with 40 other bird species and 700 plant varieties. Accompanied by our tour leader, we walk along the reserve's rugged coastline dotted with Mediterranean flora, tiny bays and hidden coves providing excellent swimming spots in one of the most idyllic settings on the island. In the afternoon we move to the ancient city of Segesta, founded around 1200 BC by the mysterious Elymians. Here we visit the Greek theatre and the well-preserved 5th-century BC Doric temple, set on top of a hill and surrounded by mountains. Overnight in Palermo.See more images and videos

After a short transfer to Monreale, we visit its extraordinary cathedral, considered the greatest example of Norman architecture in the world. We then head back to Palermo and our local guide will show us the most important sites of this beautiful city, including Quattro Canti, Pretoria Square, the Cathedral and Marina Square. In the afternoon we have some free time in Palermo and enjoy this eclectic city at our own pace. Overnight in Palermo.

8Day 8Drive to the fishing village of Cefalu' to visit its Norman Cathedral; on to the charming town of Taormina.

This morning we drive to the fishing village of Cefalu, where we visit the impressive cathedral, home to elaborate Byzantine mosaics, and the lovely historic centre with its winding mediaeval streets. Our tour ends in one of the most renowned treasures of Sicily: the charming town of Taormina. We have time to visit its Greek theatre and enjoy the spectacular views of Mt Etna and the sea. Overnight in Taormina.See more images and videos

Your images

Guided Group

This is a small group guided holiday. The group is usually between 4 and 16 in size, with an average of 12 like-minded clients booking individually, in a couple or as friends together.

Activity level

You are healthy, enjoy the outdoors and want a relaxing trip. No experience is required.

What's included

What's included

All breakfasts

Wine tasting on Mt Etna

All accommodation (see below)

All transport and listed activities

Tour leader throughout

Flights from London (if booking incl. flights)

Entrance fees (a reduction of £30 is applicable for EU citizens over 65 years old)

What's not included

Travel insurance

Single accommodation (available on request) - GBP195

Visas or vaccinations

Accommodation details

Hotels

On this trip we use 6 different comfortable 3 and 4-star hotels. Some of them have been chosen for their warm hospitality and typically Sicilian character and others for their convenient location. They are often located in proximity of the historic centres we visit so that we can easily explore the towns in the evenings or during our free time. All rooms have en suite facilities and some hotels have a pool and WiFi.

Essential info

Vaccinations and Visa
No visa required for British passport holders.
Please note in Italy it is compulsory to carry ID with you at all times. Holiday style

This is a comprehensive itinerary, with a few long driving days due to the amount of distance that we cover on this trip.
There is some gentle walking involved on most days. The excursion on Mt Etna is on foot and we walk for up to 3 hours on hilly-to-steep terrain of old dried lava, rocky ash and sand. The walking isn't too strenuous and there are several cafés not far from the craters, where you can sit and wait for the rest of the group, should you prefer not to join the excursion. Since we spend the first two nights in the same accommodation, the excursion on Mt Etna is optional and you may even choose to spend the day by the pool at the hotel, or explore the local village.
The overall Activity Level for this trip is 1 (Leisurely), meaning that it is suitable for all people who are in good health and fitness.

Trip notes

Download the detailed trip notes for everything you could possibly want
to know about this trip, including detailed itinerary and full kit list.

Weather & seasonality

Sicily has a good all year round climate, with plenty of sunshine and warm/hot temperatures. The summer departures ought to have daily hot sunshine and temperatures can reach 30 to 35degC. The earlier and later departures are likely to be cooler with a slightly higher chance of rain. In late summer there is the possibility of heavy thunderstorms, but these are usually short-lived.

Gallery

Reviews & community

This is a very intensive tour all round the island. The climb up Mount. Etna was good as far as we could go which was curtailed due to heavy mist. There are several visits to ruins of Temples and Theatres. with plenty of time to explore.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The Valley of the Temples at Agriegento

What did you think of your group leader?

Our leader, Fabio was fun and knowledgeable.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Bring a good pair of walking shoes as well as waterproof clothing....we were travelling the last week in May

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Be prepared for hill walking and gnat bites(May).
Weather un-predictable

We have just returned from 9 days in Sicily and had our usual great time thanks to Exodus. This trip gives you a chance to get the feel of Sicily. We visited 22 places and covered 1,000 kilometers in that time, going clockwise around the island stopping at all the important locations. I would suggest that you use this holiday as a general introduction to Sicily, deciding which places you would like to visit next time to explore in more detail. Fabio, our guide was wonderful. Born and bred there, he had an encyclopaedic knowledge of the island and no detail was too much trouble for him. The accommodation was a good mix of 3 and 4 star hotels and he pointed out some excellent restaurants to us. One pleasant surprise was the quality of the local wine, particularly Nero d'Avola.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Catching a brief glimpse of Mount Etna with its great lava flows when the clouds parted momentarily.

What did you think of your group leader?

Fabio was great.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Although it is rather a nuisance when going to a Mediterranean island close to summer, take warm clothes and good shoes for the walk up to Etna, the winds and rocks can be evil.

This was my first group holiday and it was a wonderful experience. It was organised so well and we saw Sicily in all its beauty. the group got on very well together which as a solo traveller was good for me. It was a wonderful introduction to this island and I would love to return and take my time in various parts of it. The food and wine were excellent and cheaper than any of us expected.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

I loved noto with its baroque architecture.
I love the sea and the countryside and found Mount Etna and the nature reserve very inspiring.

What did you think of your group leader?

Salvo was very knowledgeable about nature and plants so all visits to Mount Etna and the countryside were very interesting. His organisational skills are very good and he is very good at answering questions. He was very helpful in suggesting restaurants to us and we enjoyed his suggestions for food and wine. In smaller places he arranged
that we stop at a delicatessen for food for lunch which worked very well.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

The temperature was abnormally high for early May so make sure you bring all the sun protectors advised,

Is there anything else you would like to add?

the driver of our coach was excellent and friendly and was most helpful.

Questions about your trip

Pick your question

How difficult is the walk on Mt Etna?

After breakfast we enjoy a spectacular guided walk on Mt Etna, Europe's highest active volcano. We hike up past several old lava flows to be rewarded with a dramatic panoramic view of the four craters that make up the top of this famous volcano (3 hours walking, +300 -300m, 8 km).

You are strongly advised to take a waterproof/ windproof jacket, a warm top and to wear long trousers. According to the weather and volcanic conditions there is a chance to climb by cable car and 4x4 jeeps up until 2900 metres.

Anna Dambrosia - Product Manager

What extra expenses are there in Sicily?

For the meals not included, allow €8-15 for lunch and €20-30 for dinners. The exact amount spent depends entirely on the type of restaurant visited, and the menu chosen.Optional Excursions (prices vary depending on time of year)Etna optional excursion by 4x4Greek Theatre in Taormina (including cable car)

Bethany Lees - European Operations

What kind of hotels do we use on Sicily?

We spend 8 nights in six locally-owned hotels. All rooms have en suite facilities. The hotels have been chosen for their warm hospitality and their typically Sicilian character.In San Vito Lo Capo the group my be split across different small renovated farmhouses, which were originally part of a traditional gated complex.

Bethany Lees - European Operations

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